UPDATE: The City of Santa Clarita launched the holiday season in style with a dazzling tree lighting ceremony at The Cube Ice and Entertainment Center on December 5, 2025. Mayor Bill Miranda made history during the event, using a hockey stick to launch a glowing puck that illuminated the grand Christmas tree, captivating a large crowd of families and friends.
This annual tradition not only marks the beginning of the festive season but also celebrates the significance of The Cube in the community. The facility has become a vital hub for local figure skaters, hockey players, and families after it was saved from permanent closure in 2020. The city purchased the rink for $14.95 million, recognizing its popularity as the second most used venue in the Santa Clarita Valley.
With excitement in the air, the crowd counted down, “3 … 2 … 1 …!” as the glowing puck glided across the rink, lighting up the tree in a spectacular display. “I didn’t think they would turn off the lights!” said Miranda, relieved and thrilled by the successful launch on the first attempt.
The ceremony featured special guests, including the Los Angeles Kings mascot, Bailey the Lion, and former NHL player Daryl Evans, who served as master of ceremonies. Attendees were treated to a sneak peek of the upcoming Holiday Ice Skating Show titled “A Nutcracker Fantasy,” set to premiere that evening, with additional shows scheduled for Saturday.
Miranda highlighted the importance of The Cube, stating, “It’s a full house here today, and it tells us how critical it was for us to save the ice station.” The facility is now home to numerous organizations, including the UCLA Men’s Hockey Team and SNAP Sports, a nonprofit that provides adaptive sports programs for individuals with special needs.
The community’s pride was evident as Councilwoman Marsha McLean remarked, “We’ve made it a destination.” She expressed gratitude for the support from families across the valley who rely on The Cube for their children’s activities, emphasizing that closure would have been a significant loss.
The future looks bright for The Cube, with plans to upgrade facilities, including a new Zamboni and potential multipurpose space conversions. Families enjoyed the ice, some wobbling on their first attempts while others glided confidently around the tree, embodying the joyous spirit of the season.
As the celebration concluded, Miranda extended his gratitude to the staff and volunteers who made the event possible, reinforcing the community’s commitment to keeping this cherished facility alive. The tree lighting ceremony at The Cube not only brings festive cheer but also unites the community around a beloved local landmark, igniting a sense of pride and togetherness as the holiday season approaches.
